RheoCarti

Artificial hip joints restore mobility to millions of people. However, today’s implants generally consist of hard bearing surfaces that cannot match the smooth, naturally lubricated and cushioned movement of a healthy joint. This can result in wear, loosening, pain and even the need for further surgery.

With RheoCarti, Pioneer Fellow Xiaoyu Du is developing an innovative hip implant with a cartilage-like surface. The implant combines a shock-absorbing hydrogel layer with a lightweight, porous titanium base. This is intended to enable more natural movement, preserve healthy bone and achieve stable, long-term integration with the surrounding bone. Initial laboratory tests show that the prototypes can reliably withstand repeated loading.

During the Pioneer Fellowship, Xiaoyu Du will optimise the manufacturing processes, conduct further tests and prepare for the implant’s first clinical application in veterinary medicine.